Seasonal Allergy Symptoms Can Significantly Impair Driving Ability

Study Finds Allergy Symptoms' Effect on Driving Comparable to Having a Blood-Alcohol Concentration Near Impaired Levels

By

Ann Lukits

June 23, 2014 6:47 p.m. ET

Common seasonal allergy symptoms, such as watery eyes, sneezing and fatigue, can significantly impair driving ability, says a study in the July issue of Allergy. Allergy symptoms' effect on driving was comparable to having a blood-alcohol concentration nearing impaired levels, according to the researchers. Allergy medications weren't wholly effective at reducing the symptoms' effects.